Individual Strains Research Articles

Unintentional drowning fatalities in Sweden between 2002 and 2021.

Despite declining over the past three decades, unintentional drownings still account for an estimated 236 000 annual deaths worldwide. Susceptibility persists amongst demographic groups and is influenced by sex, age, and socio-economic status, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Due to rapidly evolving population dynamics, particularly within Europe, there is a further responsibility to understand the impact of ethnicity on the risks of drowning to guide prevention. We conducted a national population-based retrospective study using data from the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine and Statistics Sweden for the years 2002 to 2021. The analysis includes variables such as age, sex, presence of alcohol and narcotics as well as activity undertaken at the time of drowning and type of water body. Furthermore, we considered ethnicity to identify subpopulations at greater risks. Results revealed a plateau in unintentional drowning rates in Sweden since 2012, despite an overall decrease from 2002 to 2021. Findings confirm the trend that males are overrepresented within drowning statistics across all age groups, and that individuals aged > 50 constitute over half of all unintentional drownings. Men aged between 40-69 years boating, and individuals of non-Swedish origin, particularly those < 20 years of age, face a notably greater risk of drowning, underscoring the need for subpopulation-targeted prevention strategies. The ten-year plateau in unintentional drowning signals the need for an official national prevention strategy with annual evaluations. Suggestions also include improved parental supervision of children, further avoidance of alcohol while swimming and boating, as well as targeted swimming lessons and water competency training for individuals of non-Swedish origin.

Hybrid Mentorship of Medical Laboratories to Achieve ISO 15189:2012 Accreditation in Malawi: The University of Maryland Malawi Experience.

As part of a laboratory strengthening program in Malawi to achieve and maintain International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189 accreditation, we intended to mentor selected HIV molecular laboratories to achieve this accreditation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mentorship pivoted to a hybrid model using an Internet-based approach and on-site mentorships. We describe the implementation of this strategy, successes, and challenges. We conducted weekly, 1-hour virtual mentorship sessions for the 5 initial laboratories (cohort 1) selected based on their Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) performance score of 3 or more stars. Laboratories presented updates and supporting documents electronically, and trainings were conducted virtually. In September 2020, when travel restrictions were relaxed, we initiated hybrid mentorships and audits for cohort 1 laboratories. The same hybrid approach was used to mentor 4 additional laboratories in cohort 2. We performed descriptive analysis, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the training pre-and post-test scores. Between March 2020 and May 2023, the team completed a total of 54 virtual mentorship sessions and 20 on-site visits across 9 laboratories. Overall, the team conducted 8 training sessions for 35 laboratory quality officers. Median score improvement (pre-test vs. post-test scores) was observed across individual trainings and across cohorts (P<.01). At the end of cohort 1, 4 of 5 (80%) laboratories were accredited. One laboratory that did not reach accreditation joined cohort 2. At the end of the mentoring period, all 5 cohort 2 laboratories were accredited. We demonstrated that using a hybrid mentorship model for accreditation was a successful strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in Malawi, this strategy resulted in accrediting 9 of the 10 HIV molecular laboratories in 3 years at a reduced cost. Continuous mentorship is key in the maintenance of accreditation.

Application of Pan-Viral Metagenomic Sequencing on United States Air Force Academy Wastewater to Uncover Potential Causes of Acute Gastroenteritis.

Wastewater surveillance is an important technique to monitor public health and is being studied extensively for pandemic prevention, force health protection and readiness, and as a potential early warning system for chem-bio defense. Wastewater surveillance has traditionally relied on techniques such as quantitative PCR or targeted sequencing, both of which are microbe- or disease-specific tools. Newer pan-viral metagenomics strategies may provide higher specificity for pathogens of interest, resulting in a lower false negative rate and reduced sequencing of undesired background nucleic acids. One such system, VirCapSeq-VERT, has been developed to targetall vertebrate virus pathogens; until recently, its application has been limited to clinical samples. The objective of this study was to use VirCapSeq-VERT to interrogate wastewater samples from the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, Colorado, to determine its utility in assessing complex samples and its potential application in public health surveillance. Biweekly samples were analyzed from February 2022 through May 2023. Samples were collected from the wastewater treatment facility at USAFA before treatment and stored at -20 °C until total nucleic acid (tNA: DNA and RNA) extraction. tNA was then subject to the probe-based capture system, VirCapSeq, and run through a collection of public bioinformatics pipelines to identify captured viral pathogens and perform phylogenetic analysis. It was determined by the USAFA IRB that the study was non-human subject research and was deemed exempt. In total, 68 families of viruses were identified, comprising thousands of individual strains. This study focused on viruses responsible for gastrointestinal dysfunction as a test of the use of the VirCapSeq-VERT to identify human pathogenic viruses within a complex and highly enriched biological sample. Four enteric viruses dominated the wastewater samples, with Adenoviridae most prevalent before the cadet winter recess (December 17, 2022-January 4, 2023) and Astroviridae most abundant thereafter. Although gastroenteritis outbreaks at USAFA are commonly attributed to norovirus because of clinical presentation and the acute nature of the illness-often diagnosed and treated without confirmatory stool testing-this virus was not found in high prevalence in these wastewater samples. Among adenoviruses, F serotype 41 predominated, suggesting a role in gastrointestinal infections among the cadet population. Phylogenetic investigation of adenovirus and norovirus exposed common variants with seasonal distributions. These findings may prompt correlational studies to assess the clinical predictive capability of VirCapSeq-VERT and to determine the utility of wastewater monitoring as an outbreak early warning system.

The effect of long term astaxanthin supplementation on the antioxidant status of racing Arabian horses - preliminary study.

Astaxanthin due to its strong antioxidant activity is believed to reduce oxidative stress and therefore is considered as feed additive in pathological conditions and also for the athletes. It is promoted by several equine web portals, however, data supporting that concept in horses is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on the parameters of oxidative status in 3 years old, racing Arabian horses during long term observation and the changes related to a single training session of high intensity. Six horses were supplemented with astaxanthin at a dose of 0.52-0.58mg/kg BW and 7 received no supplementation. Astaxanthin supplementation resulted in the increase in total antioxidant status by 31.5%, accompanied by decreases in the amount of total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances -TBARS and glutathione reductases - GR values by 34.5% and 45.4%, respectively, after 1 month and this effect persisted until the end of the observation. After individual training session the activities of glutathione peroxidases and GR were lower by 69% and 46%, respectively, and TBARS lower by 38% in supplemented horses. These results directly confirmed the beneficial effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the antioxidant status of race horses. Astaxanthin partially counterbalance the training-related oxidative stress, save the horse natural antioxidant defense, and shift the redox status towards a more reducing environment. At the same time, exercise-induced reactive oxygen species production at certain level was maintained and so that contributed to training progress.

Effects of horizontally versus vertically loaded resistance exercises on performance and muscle architecture.

The aim of this study was to compare a training program based on horizontally (HT) versus vertically (VT) loaded exercises on performance and muscle architecture of the lower body muscles. Nineteen resistance trained individuals were randomly assigned to HT (N.=10; age: 25.9±4.2 y; body mass: 72.7±11.4 kg; height: 174.0±6.0 cm) or VT group (N.=9; age: 26.9±4.4 y; body mass: 76.2±10.8 kg; height: 174.2.0±5.8 cm). Both 6-week training programs included 4 training sessions per week and were equated for the total number of repetitions. One repetition maximum (1RM) was assessed for squat and hip thrust, together with vertical and horizontal jumps and sprint. Muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus were also evaluated pre- and post-training period. A significantly greater increase in 1RM hip thrust was detected in HT (+17.9%; P=0.004) while greater increases in 1RM squat were found in VT (+10.5%; P=0.007). A greater increase (P=0.009) in vastus medialis MT was detected in VT (4.1%) compared to HT (-7.9%). Similar increases in MT of gluteus were registered in both groups (P<0.05). A greater improvement in standing long jump (P=0.004) was detected in HT (+7.6%) compared to VT (+1.6%), while both groups significantly improved vertical jump performance. Combining both groups, strong correlations were detected between gluteus EI and 20-m sprint (r=0.79; P<0.001). Results indicate that HT was more effective than VT for horizontal jumps while both HT and VT were equally effective on vertical jumps. Both HT and VT promoted similar changes in muscle architecture of the gluteus, but not of the vastus medialis.

Enhancing cognitive abilities in young adults with ADHD through instrumental music training: a comparative analysis of musicians and non-musicians.

Extensive research highlights the multifaceted benefits of active musical engagement across all ages, from childhood to the elderly. The practice of a musical instrument activates numerous brain regions, enhancing a range of neurocognitive skills. Despite accumulating evidence from various clinical populations, research on the effects of musical training in individuals with ADHD is scarce, with virtually no studies focusing on adults. This study aims to fill the gap by evaluating the impact of long-term instrumental music training on cognitive abilities in young adults (18-35 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Cognitive abilities were compared across groups of 48 musicians (experienced guitar or piano players) and 46 matched non-musicians, all confirmed to have ADHD. The assessments covered cognitive domains such as sustained attention, visuospatial processing, processing speed, graphomotor speed, working memory, auditory recall, response inhibition, and executive function. Evaluation tools included the Digit-Symbol Coding Test, Digit Span Test, Symbol Search Test, Switching Task, and Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Collectively, the results indicated a notable enhancement in cognitive performance in the musician group compared to the non-musician group, including in functions central to the disorder, such as sustained attention and impulse control. Musicians scored higher on the Digit-Symbol Coding, Digit Span, and Symbol Search tests, showed lower error rates and greater consistency in reaction times in the Switching Task, and had fewer commission errors in the CPT. The findings support the integration of specialized musical training in therapeutic and support programs for ADHD, suggesting benefits that may extend into adulthood.

Is strength and power training targeting hip and knee muscles superior to strength training in individuals with patellofemoral pain? Proof of concept study

The purpose was to determine whether the benefits of a muscle strength and power training program are superior to those achieved with muscle strength training alone in people with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Thirty-seven individuals with PFP (25.86 ± 7.62 years) were randomly assigned to a strength and power training group (n = 18) or strength training group (n = 19). Primary outcomes were pain intensity and physical functioning. Secondary outcomes were kinesiophobia, quality of life, maximal isometric torque and rate of torque development of the hip and knee and self-perception of recovery. Primary outcomes were measured at baseline, after six weeks, after 12 weeks and at three, six- and 12-months follow-ups. Secondary outcomes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. The significance level was 0.05. After interventions, no significant differences were found between groups for primary or secondary outcomes. No difference between groups were found for pain or physical functioning at the other assessment times. Results of this study indicated that addition of power exercises to strength training for hip and knee muscles did not result in superior benefits compared to strength training alone.

Resource Allocation in UAV-D2D Networks: A Scalable Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach

In unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted device-to-device (D2D) caching networks, the uncertainty from unpredictable content demands and variable user positions poses a significant challenge for traditional optimization methods, often making them impractical. Multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) offers significant advantages in optimizing multi-agent system decisions and serves as an effective and practical alternative. However, its application in large-scale dynamic environments is severely limited by the curse of dimensionality and communication overhead. To resolve this problem, we develop a scalable heterogeneous multi-agent mean-field actor-critic (SH-MAMFAC) framework. The framework treats ground users (GUs) and UAVs as distinct agents and designs cooperative rewards to convert the resource allocation problem into a fully cooperative game, enhancing global network performance. We also implement a mixed-action mapping strategy to handle discrete and continuous action spaces. A mean-field MADRL framework is introduced to minimize individual agent training loads while enhancing total cache hit probability (CHP). The simulation results show that our algorithm improves CHP and reduces transmission delay. A comparative analysis with existing mainstream deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms shows that SH-MAMFAC significantly reduces training time and maintains high CHP as GU count grows. Additionally, by comparing with SH-MAMFAC variants that do not include trajectory optimization or power control, the proposed joint design scheme significantly reduces transmission delay.

Building a community of practice around a community of inquiry: an examination of EFL students' perceptions of a virtual internship

In response to the new policy of English department, the internship program has been shifted to virtual programmes. As part of this initiative, the university has collaborated with other educational sectors to offer a virtual English as a Foreign Language (EFL) internship programme aimed at training individuals as EFL teachers. The aim of the study was to investigate student perceptions of dynamic social structures and communities of practice in technologically mediated environments, particularly in relation to virtual internships. The authors recognised a gap in research regarding how EFL students create meaningful learning experiences and how they build their practical knowledge in mediated communication environments. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. 50 students comprised the study subjects. The data were collected from multiple sources: interviews, students’ reflections, and community of inquiry and practice survey instruments. The findings revealed that an unprepared virtual environment led to social anxiety and challenges related to real-world work experience. The study suggests that evidence-based interventions in technologically mediated, virtual learning environments can help to resolve study findings with this goal: fostering a sense of belongingness and community that can promote effective remote interactions between learners and their teachers to ensure that internships serve students best.

BACTERIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AND THEIR ANTIBIOGRAM: A STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To ascertain the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) occurrences and the prevalence of aerobic bacterial infections associated with their antibiogram. Methods: For 1 year, a tertiary care hospital affiliated with Government Medical College, Amritsar, served as the site of this cross-sectional study. Pus aspirates were aseptically taken from 86 consecutive individuals suspected of having SSI using a sterile surgical syringe with a needle and sterile cotton surgical swabs. The specimens were cultivated and placed in an incubator at 37°C for 24 h. The individual strains were then identified using traditional techniques. The Kirby–Bauer’s Disc Diffusion Method was employed to conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Among 1021 patients, 86 were clinically suspected of SSI, and 64 were culture-positive. The incidence of SSI was 8.42%. The most common organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae 34% (17/50) and Escherichia coli 32% (16/50), whereas Staphylococcus aureus 100% (14/14) was the only organism found among Gram-positive cocci. The antimicrobial Profile of Gram-positive isolates showed maximum sensitivity to linezolid (100%), followed by erythromycin (85.7%). The antimicrobial profile of lactose fermenters revealed maximum sensitivity to polymyxin (100%). Antibiogram of Proteus species showed maximum sensitivity to meropenem (100%) and ceftazidime tazobactam (100%). Non-fermenters showed 100% polymyxin and 80% sensitivity to aztreonam. Conclusion: Our study has revealed significant findings. The incidence of SSI was found to vary between 8% and 12% in our tertiary care center. K. pneumoniae 26.5% (17/64) and E. coli 25% (16/64) were the most common organisms isolated. S. aureus 21.2% (14/64) was the only organism found among Gram-positive cocci. SSI below waist surgery was far more 75% (48/64) than above waist surgery of 25% (16/64).

Innovation in physical education teaching based on biomechanics feedback: Design and evaluation of personalized training programs

Psychometric training is a learning and development process that is tied to the requirements and interests of individual learners. The effectiveness and the fun of workout practices can be greatly enhanced by using more personal methods in training. These programs entail tailoring workouts to the fitness level and aims of every participant, as well as their perception of the workout plans. The suggestion of this investigation is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of individual physical training for teachers focused on biomechanics feedback. Proper body alignment is crucial during any exercise to avoid injuries and achieve maximum results; it is always difficult to sustain correct posture. For motion tracking and to give real-time biomechanics feedback to the students in this study, a refined convolutional neural network (RCNN) has been presented. Filming was done using high-speed cameras and motion capture systems to capture biomechanical responses, which included joint angle, muscle activation patterns, and body posture during activities. This study involved 158 participants drawn from different learning institutions. This approach offers rational and specific feedback on the postures of the body; it enables people to correct themselves and sustain motivation without engaging a trainer. In this study, participants with different levels of fitness engaged with the interactive system were compared to the traditional training method. The result indicated a positive shift in the delivery of personalized training with biomechanics feedback on the system’s potential teaching aid in physical education classes. The study, thus underscores the importance of technology supporting change in physical education programs to improve the student’s learning experiences and their performance in exercises.

Bioremediation of soils contaminated with nicosulfuron by the bacterial complex ES58

Nicosulfuron residues in soil can be harmful to the environment. In this study, acid-producing Klebsiella oxytoca ES5 and Klebsiella grimontii ES8 were isolated to construct the ES58 bacterial complex. The culture medium was optimized using response surface methodology, nicosulfuron degradation by ES58 reached 97.21% in 96h. The optimal degradation conditions were: temperature: 25℃, pH 6, initial nicosulfuron concentration: 50mgL-1 and inoculum volume: 2%. The two individual strains and the bacterial complex were tested for the ability of nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, potassium decomposition and iron carrier production. The results revealed that both strains and the bacterial complex had the ability to promote the growth, with bacterial complex being more capable than the two individual bacterial strains. After 28 d of bioremediation of nicosulfuron-contaminated soil by ES58, degradation rate of nicosulfuron was 90.84% in the unsterilized soil. Furthermore, the remediation process restored the activities of catalase, invertase, dehydrogenase and urease in the soil. The ES5-specific gene budA and ES8-specific gene ldh were detected in the soil at the 28th day. ES58 exhibited different effects on the growth indexes of nicosulfuron-sensitive crops. The study provides a novel strategy for nicosulfuron degradation effective by constructing and utilizing bacterial complex.

Comprehensive Safety Assessment of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 Through Integrated Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis

Probiotics, as defined by the World Health Organization, are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, provide health benefits to the host. Although some countries have approved specific probiotic species for use in food, safety concerns may still arise with individual strains. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 (NTU 101), isolated from the gut of healthy infants, has demonstrated various probiotic effects and shown safety in a prior 28-day animal feeding study. To further verify its safety and mitigate potential risks, we performed a comprehensive genotypic and phenotypic safety evaluation in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority guidelines for safety assessment through whole genome sequencing and related literature. In this research, minimum inhibitory concentration testing identified NTU 101’s resistance to chloramphenicol; however, subsequent gene analysis confirmed no associated risk of resistance. Assessments of safety, including biogenic amine content, hemolytic activity, mucin degradation, and D-lactic acid production, indicated a low level of risk. Additionally, a repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats revealed no toxicity at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, further supporting the strain’s safety for consumption. Based on these comprehensive analyses, NTU 101 is considered safe for regular consumption as a health supplement.

Social entrepreneurship – inclusive disability employment in the UAE

This paper explored the transition of a disability inclusive employment programme in a private landscaping company into a standalone social enterprise ENABLE, offering horticultural training and sustainable jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The research question that guided this study is: How did ENABLE evolve from a sheltered employment programme into a social enterprise that provides sustainable employment for persons with IDD? And what is the prevailing influence on the employees and the society at large? Through qualitative descriptive analysis, we explored ENABLE's development, operations, and community influence. Multiple data collection methods were utilized including semi-structured interviews with key employers, observation of employees with IDD during their working hours, and analysis of related documents. By critically analysing this journey, this study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial inclusive employment for individuals with IDD, addressing challenges faced by organisations that support disability employment in the UAE and beyond.

The efficacy of cognitive stimulation, cognitive training, and cognitive rehabilitation for people living with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cognition-oriented treatments (COTs) are a group of non-pharmacological treatments aimed at maintaining or improving cognitive functioning. Specific recommendations on the use of these interventions in people living with dementia (PLwD) are included in the Italian Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment, developed by the Italian National Institute of Health. This systematic review and meta-analysis, based on the GRADE methodology, is part of the guideline. Considered outcomes included the cognitive functions, quality of life, and functional abilities of PLwD, taking into account disease severity, modality and system of delivery, and form of the intervention. The effectiveness of these interventions on caregivers' outcomes was also assessed. Both group and individual cognitive stimulation were reported as effective in supporting cognitive functions in PLwD at any degree of severity. Individual cognitive training and group cognitive training were reported as effective in improving global cognitive functions in people with mild dementia. Cognitive rehabilitation appeared to be effective only in improving the functional abilities of people with mild dementia. Cognitive rehabilitation appeared to be the most effective in improving caregivers' outcomes, with results suggesting a reduction in care burden. The observed differences in the effectiveness of these interventions in people with different disease severity can be explained by the intrinsic characteristics of each intervention. Despite the large number of available studies, a high clinical, statistical, and methodological heterogeneity was observed. More methodologically rigorous studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of each protocol and modality of intervention.

Analysing influential factors in e-learning technology acceptance for digital learning effectiveness enhancement

This study aims to discover the factors that influence the acceptance of electronic learning media and its effect on the effectiveness of digital instruction. The study involved a learning management system and online tutorials using management system (MS) teams from various faculties at the Universitas Terbuka. These include the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences. also conducted in three regional offices in Ambon, Gorontalo and Makassar, which were selected through purposive sampling. Primary data sources include participant questionnaires and interviews. Analytical methods include correlation and multiple regression analysis, with descriptive statistics used to summarize the dataset. Variable selection involves reliability and validity tests and classical assumption tests like multicollinearity. The F-test demonstrates a statistically significant and beneficial influence of utilizing e-learning media and individual ability, training, and intention to use it for digital learning success. The results of ttests and regression models provide empirical evidence supporting the significant effect of e-learning media and intention to use on the effectiveness of digital learning. However, variables related to training and ability do not show any significant influence.

Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid that is commonly used to improve exercise performance. It could influence the buffering of hydrogen ions produced during intense exercise and delay fatigue, providing a substrate for increased synthesis of intramuscular carnosine. This systematic review evaluates the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on maximal intensity exercise in trained, young, male individuals. Six databases were searched on August 10, 2023, to identify randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of chronic beta-alanine supplementation in trained male individuals with an age range of 18-40years. Studies evaluating exercise performance through maximal or supramaximal intensity efforts falling within the 0.5-10min duration were included. A total of 18 individual studies were analyzed, employing 18 exercise test protocols and 15 outcome measures in 331 participants. A significant (p = .01) result was observed with an overall effect size of 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 0.69]), in favor of beta-alanine supplementation versus placebo. Results indicate significant effects at 4weeks of supplementation, effect size 0.34 (95% CI [0.02, 0.67], p = .04); 4-10min of maximal effort, effect size 0.55 (95% CI [0.07, 1.04], p = .03); and a high beta-alanine dosage of 5.6-6.4g per day, effect size 0.35 (95% CI [0.09, 0.62], p = .009). The results provide insights into which exercise modality will benefit the most, and which dosage protocols and durations stand to provide the greatest ergogenic effects. This may be used to inform further research, and professional or recreational training design, and optimization of supplementation strategies.

The effects of multisensory exercises on balance control in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a narrative review

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the impact of multisensory exercises on balance control in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Articles on multisensory balance training for individuals with DPN were discovered in MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases through targeted key words. Moreover, this review examined the impact of multisensory balance training in isolation or in conjunction with other exercises, using outcome measures that assess balance attributes. A narrative review encompassed seven research studies as corroborating evidence. Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one non‐RCT were eligible, including 212 participants. The results supported our assumption that multisensory exercise could enhance balance in people with DPN. This review suggests that multisensory exercises could aid in enhancing balance control in individuals with DPN. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to identify the most beneficial multisensory exercises for enhancing balance in individuals with varying levels of DPN severity and disability.

Інноваційні методологічні підходи до оцінки психофізичних здібностей гандболістів на етапі попередньої базової підготовки

The article deals with the psychophysical abilities of young handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the level of formation of such abilities as reaction speed, coordination of movements, concentration of attention and the ability to make decisions in stressful situations. The scientific relevance of the study is due to the need to improve training methods aimed at increasing the effectiveness of athletes' preparation for competitions. The purpose of the study is to analyze and evaluate the psychophysical abilities of young handball players, which will help to determine the effectiveness of the applied training methods and contribute to the development of new approaches to the training of athletes. Material and methods of research. Handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training (103 people) at the age of 15-16 years old, involved in the championship of Ukraine among boys, took part in the pedagogical experiment. To implement the goals and objectives of the study used a set of methods: theoretical analysis, synthesis and generalization; pedagogical observation; pedagogical testing; mathematical and statistical data processing. Research Results. It was found that the psychophysical abilities of young handball players who are at the stage of preliminary basic training correspond to a satisfactory level. However, in order to achieve high results in the future it is necessary to improve training programs taking into account the individual characteristics of each athlete. Analysis of the test results showed that the majority of handball players, both from the experimental and control groups, demonstrate similar results on the complex index of psychophysical abilities, which allowed us to conclude that there were no significant differences in the levels of development of psychophysical abilities between the groups at the beginning of the study. It was revealed that the average characteristics of different psychophysical tests in the majority of athletes correspond to a satisfactory level. For example, the speed of reaction to visual stimuli, reaction speed in game conditions, as well as the results of specialized handball tests showed that the level of formation of these abilities is sufficient for participation in competitions, but requires improvement to achieve high results. It is important to note that the highest average values of complex indicators of psychophysical abilities were observed in point guard players, which corresponds to the average level of formation. Line players also showed the results corresponding to the average level, while half-middle and edge players showed slightly lower values corresponding to the satisfactory level. Conclusions. The conducted study showed that at the stage of preliminary basic training most young handball players have a satisfactory level of development of psychophysical abilities, which indicates that there is a potential to improve their sports training by improving training methods. Given that different players demonstrate different levels of development of psychophysical abilities, especially among midfield and edge players, it is necessary to develop and implement individual training programs, which will optimize the training of each player in accordance with his individual characteristics and increase the overall effectiveness of the team.

Can blood flow restriction induce cross-education of muscle strength and volume? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This research systematically assesses the effects of low-load blood flow restriction on the cross-education of muscle strength and volume, providing evidence-based guidance for clinicians and rehabilitation therapists. The literature search utilized databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration's RCT bias evaluation tool. Data synthesis, forest plot creation, and publication bias assessment were performed with Reman 5.4 software. This study is registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), 202440038. Six meta-analyses, encompassing 259 undergraduate students, were performed. Results indicated a markedly enhanced cross-education effect in muscle strength induction via blood flow restriction, surpassing that of traditional unilateral training and control groups. Nonetheless, the cross-education impact on muscle volume induction showed no notable variance among the groups. Blood flow restriction has been shown to effectively induce cross-education in muscle strength. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine its impact on muscle strength. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine its impact on muscle volume cross-education. Reduced exercise intensity with blood flow restriction may augment neural activation, implying possible advantages in rehabilitative training for individuals with neurological conditionsmeriting additional investigation.